Knesset committee approves bill protecting captive customers; if approved by parliament, cosnumers will be allowed to bring their own food when going to the movies.

Soon, Israelis will be allowed to bring their own food and beverages when going to the movies - that is if a bill cleared on Tuesday by the Knesset.

The Knesset's Economic Committee approved on Tuesday a bill, known as the "popcorn bill," which allows bringing food and beverages bought outside cinema complexes into the theatres. The bill is aimed at preventing a state where captive costumers are forced to pay excessive charges.

The bill also allows the public to bring food and beverages into businesses which sell their own food and are located in closed areas, such as concerts and movie theaters.

MK Carmel Shama-Hacohen (Likud), who promoted the bill, said he is "glad that after a long struggle and despite the theater's objections, the committee approved my bill to defend the captive customers in movie theaters, sport events, hospitals, etc."

In discussions leading up to the approval, the theater's representative said that the companies are not ashamed for profiting off selling food and drinks, and also warned that if the bill becomes a law it would give a fatal blow to the cinemas.
Soon, Israelis will be allowed to bring their own food and beverages when going to the movies - that is if a bill cleared on Tuesday for Knesset vote will be approved by parliament.